05/09/2008 Voters head to polls tomorrow in municipal elections Voters in municipalities across Central Texas make their voices heard Saturday. In Austin, three city council seats and a multi-million dollar school bond package are on the ballot.

TxDOT plans weekend I-35 closures south of Austin
The Texas Department of Transportation plans to shut down I-35's northbound and southbound lanes at FM 1327 southeast of Austin beginning at 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday.

05/08/2008

City initiative looking to improve Hispanic quality of life
Austin city leaders are pushing an initiative to improve Hispanic quality of life.  It will be modeled after the city led African-American Quality of Life initiative that began in 2005 and cost more than $700,000.

Video released of Benson's arrest Video released Thursday captured the moments after Cedric Benson's arrest for boating while intoxicated shows the former Longhorn great in handcuffs and still wearing his swimming trunks.

Wrongfully convicted push lawmakers for changes
Some former inmates -- convicted of crimes they didn't commit -- took part in a summit at the State Capitol Thursday, pushing for changes in the Texas criminal justice system.

Exclusive: Stray bullet strikes Hays County family's home A stray bullet struck a Hays County family's home Wednesday night, just one year after a boy was killed by a stray bullet just miles away. A bullet pierced the wall of Rolando Garcia's bathroom, shattering the shower window.

Austin to study Hispanic quality of life
Austin City Council member Mike Martinez proposed a Hispanic quality of life initiative which passed the council Thursday morning with a vote of 7 to 0. It asks the city manager to identify funding and create a structure.

Cedar Park jackpot winner makes plans for winnings
Connie Thiele, 58, put a $3 bet on a Megabucks slot machine at the Palms Casino Resort. On the very first pull, she won $21 million.

Women's shelter needs air conditioners, washing machines
A special group of moms will be facing a tough time over the Mother's Day holiday. They are the women who are staying in the Hope Alliance Emergency Shelter in Williamson County.

Judge sets bond at $1.6 million for fraud, forgery suspect
A Buda woman arrested on fraud charges now faces additional charges and will have to pay more than $1.6 million in order to bond out of jail.

Hays Co. DA: 'We got justice for these kids'
A Hays County jury on Thursday sentenced a 24-year-old father to 14 life sentences for severely abusing his young children. The sentences for Cesar Mojica are the maximum allowed by law.

Commerce secretary tours Austin stimulus check printing facility
The first mass printing of the checks is underway, and Thursday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez toured the printing plant in Southeast Austin.

Insurance company ranks Austin 14th in teen accident study
The Austin area leads the state when it comes to deadly accidents involving teen drivers according to a study by Allstate Insurance.

Cigarette sparked Ballet Austin fire
Austin fire investigators say a discarded cigarette sparked a fire at the ballet Austin building in Central Austin. The historic building caught fire Tuesday night.

Hays Co. father sentenced to life in prison for abusing children Cesar Mojica, 24, was convicted last week on 14 counts of injury to a child, and the jury gave him life in prison for each of those counts. Prosecutors say his three young children were found malnourished and had multiple injuries.

Austin woman hits $21 million slot jackpot
Connie Thiele says she was playing a Megabucks slot machine at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas when she decided to switch to the machine next to her.

05/07/2008 Buda woman accused of forgery Hays County sheriff's deputies arrested Amber Rountree Wednesday. A local merchant suspected her of using false ID -- and called authorities.

Jurors deliberate punishment for Hays County father who abused kids
A Hays County jury Wednesday went home for the day without deciding on a sentence in a high-profile child abuse case. Jurors are deciding a punishment for Cesar Mojica, 24 -- a man they convicted last week of 14 counts of injury to a child.

Austin police crack down on jaywalkers Officers are writing tickets to everyone they see who doesn't use a crosswalk or follow the pedestrian control devices. This crackdown is happening all over Austin -- not just downtown.

Bitter city council battle could depress turnout
Going negative in politics happens at every level, but in Austin's race for City Council Place 3, the bitter back-and-forth may just keep voters at home.

Automaker offers new incentive to boost sales
Chrysler Corporation just announced it's limiting what customers pay at the pump for the next three years with the purchase of certain new models.

Police search for man missing from downtown Austin
Police say Johnny Lee Piper, 59, was reported missing Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. He moved to the Austin area two weeks ago, and police say he suffers from dementia and can become disoriented.

Police search home of UT student accused of making terroristic threats
More details have been released about the arrest of a University of Texas student accused of making threats to blow up the campus and re-create a Virginia Tech.

Elgin school educates kids with autism, family members
A school for autistic children in Elgin is growing so fast, it’s ready to expand. The school is unique in that the teacher student ratio is one on one or one on two.

Perry celebrates state UIL champions
Hundreds of high school athletes visited the State Capitol Wednesday morning as guests of Governor Rick Perry. They were celebrating "State Champion Day."

Central Texas soldier laid to rest
Hundreds gathered in Kingsland Wednesday morning to say farewell to Sergeant Mark Stone of Buchanan Dam. The 22-year-old was killed on April 28 in Baghdad.

Austin fire chief resigns
Austin Fire Chief J.J. Adame Wednesday resigned from his post. The resignation took effect immediately and comes less than 24 hours after an emergency meeting at Austin City Hall with high-ranking city officials and Adame.

Smoke damages Ballet Austin building
Firefighters say flames were kept to one room at the building near 30th and Guadalupe, but the blaze did cause quite a bit of smoke damage.

Man jumps from bridge onto highway
Police say they were arresting a man for narcotics possession Tuesday night when he slipped out of his handcuffs and took off running. He made it to the bridge at MLK and I-35 where he attempted to jump and grabbed the railing.

05/06/2008

U.T. P.D. going high-tech
The U.T. Police department is welcoming what they say is a much needed renovation officers hope will prevent a tragedy like the one at Virginia Tech in April of 2007.

Supreme Court decision fueling push for voter I.D. law in Texas
It sounds simple and a lot of states are doing it:  requiring a government-issued I.D. in order to vote.  A landmark Supreme Court decision just upheld voter I.D. laws in Indiana.  And now, it’s fueling a new push for the measure here in Texas.

San Marcos sixth-grader suspended after gun found
San Marcos officials say an assistant principal at Hernandez Intermediate School found a 38-caliber handgun in the sixth grade student’s backpack.

Latest poll shows U.S. Senate race surprisingly close
A poll by Rasmussen Reports released Monday shows the race between incumbent GOP Senator John Cornyn and challenger, Democrat Rick Noriega, a lot closer than expected.

Pflugerville student accused of selling pot brownies
According to court documents, a 15-year-old student went to the nurse's office Monday complaining about a fast heart rate. Before she was taken to the hospital, she told the nurse that she ate a brownie she bought from another student.

Passengers upset after ABIA delay It may have been a case of an airline passenger bill of rights working in reverse -- when a one hour flight became a four hour ordeal at Austin Bergstrom International Airport Tuesday.

Health officials urge asthma sufferers to seek help
State health officials are concerned by the increasing number of people with asthma -- one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in Texas and a growing health concern. Experts are urging the millions of Americans and Texans suffering - to seek help.

Man injured in East Travis Co. shooting
One man was rushed to Brackenridge Hospital in critical condition. Another person escaped in a white SUV. Investigators later found the SUV, but the suspect was gone.

Police: Men who fired on officer involved in tire thefts
Pflugerville police Tuesday released composite sketches of three men wanted for firing on an officer investigating a stolen SUV. Detectives believe the three men were involved in stealing tires and after-market wheels.

Hays Co. approves sheriff's department resolution Hays County commissioners Tuesday approved a resolution to acknowledge recruitment problems at the Hays County Sheriff's Office, which says it doesn't have enough deputies to patrol the streets.

Preliminary findings released in Bartlett helicopter crash
Investigators say conditions were clear, and it appears the helicopter's tail skid and rotor hit an embankment and the helicopter rolled on its side.

05/05/2008

Former Austin Police commander trying to get his job back
A former Austin Police commander addressed the Citizens Review Panel Monday evening about changing A.P.D. disciplinary policies after he was fired in March.

Council candidate's calls questioned
Law enforcement groups waded into the bitter back-and-forth for Austin City Council Place 3, after they were the subject of a robocall from the Jennifer Kim campaign.

Central Texas communities mourn fallen soldiers
The body of Army Specialist Jeffery Nichols will arrive at the Horseshoe Bay Airport on Wednesday. From there, he will be taken by a military escort, similar to the one that took place Sunday.

Teen charged in deadly crash to wear monitoring device
The teenager who's facing multiple charges following a deadly car wreck last month is being released from the Juvenile Detention Center.

Residents on edge after possible mountain lion sighting A Sunday morning stroll for a man took a scary turn when he came face to face with what he says was a mountain lion. Wildlife experts urge residents to keep their eyes open.

Man arrested with gun, ammo at South Austin Wal-Mart
A man was arrested with a 9mm handgun and ammunition at a South Austin Wal-Mart Thursday afternoon, according to court documents, and has been charged with making a terroristic threat.

City of Austin, Villa Muse break off talks
Backers of the Villa Muse entertainment facility Monday announced negotiations to build near the City of Austin are officially over.

Details released of Benson's Lake Travis arrest
According to the affidavit, the arresting officer said former UT football player Cedric Benson had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, his eyes were bloodshot and his attitude was combative.

Driver hit, killed by SUV fleeing East Austin accident
Austin police are looking for a tan Chevrolet Tahoe with paper license plates after a fender bender turned into a fatal hit-and-run in east Austin over the weekend.

Mom accused of assaulting AISD staff member, officer
An Austin ISD middle school parent was arrested last week on charges of assaulting a school staff member. The incident happened Friday before noon at Martin Middle School in East Austin.

Services pending for fallen Central Texas soldier
Army Specialist Jeffrey Nichols, 21, of Granite Shoals died Thursday when his vehicle hit an explosive device. He leaves behind a wife and a 1 1/2-year-old son.

Reports show abuse at Texas mental hospitals
More than 70 employees at Texas' 10 state mental hospitals have been fired and dozens others disciplined since 2005 over allegations of brutal beatings and other physical abuse, according to a newspaper report.

Limo driver shot in carjacking Police say a limo driver called 9-1-1 overnight to report a carjacking. Officers say the car thieves dumped the driver along Interstate 35. He had been shot in the chest and in the stomach.

05/04/2008

TSU on alert after attempted sexual assault
Texas State University police are searching for a suspect in an attempted sexual assault. The incident happened Friday night around 9:45 in TSU's Bobcat Stadium parking lot.

"Big cat" sighted in Williamson County
A big cat was sighted in the southern part of Williamson County. Officials say it’s possibly a mountain lion.

05/03/2008

Food industry feels economic crunch
A struggling national economy hit some Austin workers especially hard. Empty tables, empty chairs, and just a handful of diners are becoming the norm for many restaurants across town. Consumers aren't dining like they used to.

05/02/2008

Two-year-old dies in apparent road rage accident
A possible case of road rage led to the death of a 2 year old child this afternoon near Kyle. This is all that's left of a car that was crushed by an 18 wheeler.  Pieces of twisted metal and personal belongings lie on the roadway.

Elgin family may sue DPS after Christmas crash kills loved one An Elgin family speaks out for the first time about a D.P.S. crash which took the life of the head of their family last December. Walter Chabert, 62, of Elgin was riding his motorcycle home after a day of hanging Christmas lights with his grandchildren when he was killed December 8, 2007.

Troopers admit wrong driver faulted in fatal crash
State troopers are admitted they said the wrong driver was at fault in a fatal crash last month-- and are now they are trying to set the record straight.

Debate over federal gas tax holiday mirrors Texas fight Presidential candidates continue their policy battle over a proposed federal gas tax holiday for the summer. But the debate isn't new. Texas lawmakers took on the issue during the waning weeks of the 2007 legislative session.

Teens indicted on capital murder charges
Three teenagers have been indicted on capital murder charges in the killing a man during a North Austin robbery. It happened in December in the parking lot of the Austin Commons Apartment Complex on Rutland Drive -- where the victim lived.

Child, 2, crushed in 18-wheeler crash in Kyle
A 2-year-old child died Friday afternoon after a car was crushed by an 18-wheeler in what could be a case of road rage. Now police are looking for a motorcycle that left the scene.

UT Remembers honors students, faculty, staff lost last year
The University of Texas honored 165 people with close ties to the school that died last year. The sound of the UT Tower Bell echoed across the Forty Acres - a reminder of those who have breathed life into the campus.

Funeral services, fund set up for Bastrop Co. crash victims
Funeral services have been set for the four people, including two children, who were killed in a crash near Bastrop Tuesday night. A fund has also been set up to pay for funeral expenses and medical bills.

Austin police look for men, driver in sexual assault
Austin police asked for help Friday finding four men involved in an aggravated sexual assault. Police said it happened Thursday morning near Cameron Road and U.S. 290.

Texas National Guard marches to honor fallen in Austin
The Texas National Guard held its second annual March for the Fallen Friday morning.

UT campus remembers students, staff and faculty
Friday was a day of remembrance on the University of Texas campus. The university remembered 165 people with close ties to the school who died.

Man once charged in yogurt shop murders arrested Maurice Pierce was booked into the Travis County Jail around 1 a.m. on two felony warrants from Plano for charges of aggravated assault on a public servant and evading arrest.

Travis County, APD officers train for terror Travis County and Austin police officers Thursday practiced how to react to a terror situation just days after a University of Texas student was arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat.

05/01/2008

Special Assignment: Treating health issues with food
We are what we eat. But we also eat bad and eat fast. Obesity in the United States and its related problems have become critical issues.

Family, friends remember area soldier killed in Iraq Friends and family are remembering a local soldier killed this week in Iraq.  Army Sergeant Mark Stone, 22, was from the Kingsland-Lake Buchanan area.

State lawmaker accused of drinking and driving
State Representative Mike Krusee, R-Williamson County, is keeping silent after being arrested and charged with drinking and driving late Wednesday night.

More airlines expanding at ABIA
It's getting easier to fly out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. More airlines are adding nonstop and international flights, even as the airline industry faces tough times.

Hays Co. father found guilty of severely abusing children A Hays County jury Thursday afternoon convicted a man on 14 counts of the first degree felony charge of injury to a child for seriously abusing his three children. It's a case investigators call the worst they have ever seen.

Teacher found in lake investigated for spending donated money
The FBI, the IRS and U.S. Attorney's Office have been investigating whether Riad Hamad was funneling money from his Palestinian non-profit group into his own pocket. Hamad was found floating in Lady Bird Lake last month.

Travis County earns 'D' in ozone pollution report The American Lung Association Thursday released its annual air quality report, and two Texas cities are ranked in the top 10 for ozone pollution. The State of the Air report ranked areas by three kinds of pollution.

Masked man robs Cedar Park convenience store
Investigators say a man wearing a bandana over his face pulled out a gun at the Lakeline Food Stop and told a customer to get on the floor. He then told the clerk to open the cash register.

Water line breaks in downtown Austin
Austin Water Utility officials say the 8-inch line broke at 5th Street and Lavaca around 4:30 a.m. Thursday. Crews were able to shut off the water around 8 a.m.

First VivaAerobus flight takes off from new ABIA terminal
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport launched new service Thursday morning -- the airport opened its south terminal to passengers and flew in the first plane from VivaAerobus.

04/30/2008 Family, friends grieve deaths of four in Bastrop County accident There was emotional reaction from friends Wednesday after four people are killed, three of whom were family members, in a violent accident in Bastrop County.

Crash victims 'were good going people'
Four people are dead after a horrific crash in Bastrop County. Among those who lost their lives, a mother and her two children.

Texans celebrate Willie Nelson's 75th birthday
He's a Texas icon whose musical career spans six decades. Wednesday is Willie Nelson's 75th birthday and the celebration is well underway.

Jury to continue deliberating Thursday in child abuse trial
A Hays County jury has gone home for the day without reaching a verdict in a case investigators call one of the worst cases of child abuse they've ever seen.

APD eyes cameras for combating crime
A weekend sexual assault in an alley behind the bars on 6th Street has once again stirred talk of adding surveillance cameras on Austin city streets.

Residents want change on Highway 304 after deadly crash Makeshift memorials are an all too common site along Texas roadways, but in the past few days, five people have died on Highway 304 in almost the same spot.

Final leg of SH 130 opens TxDOT officials Wednesday cut the ribbon on the final 8.7-mile segment of State Highway 130. The new section runs from Highway 71 to Highway 183 in Southeast Travis County -- completing 49 miles of the parallel highway to I-35.

Deliberations continue in Hays Co. child abuse trial
A Hays County jury was expected to continue deliberations Wednesday in a child abuse case that investigators have called one of the worst they have ever seen.

Troopers investigate fatal accident in Bastrop County Four people have died, including two children, after a head-on collision in Bastrop County. Investigators say an SUV driver veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with a family of five in another SUV.

04/29/2008

Austin police investigate string of bank robberies
A rash of bank robberies in Austin, around the state and nation are raising questions about their possible connection to the nation's slowing economy.

APD honors officers
Dozens of Austin police officers -- past and present -- were honored Tuesday at the department's annual service awards ceremony.

Political pro rates the new council candidate commercials
The airwave battles have begun in the three races for Austin City Council. Not all candidates are up on the air -- but for those who can be seen on the small screen KVUE asked political media consultant Chuck McDonald to rate the ads.

Hays County child abuse case goes to jury
The case of a Central Texas man accused of child abuse went to a Hays County jury Tuesday afternoon. Cesar Mojica Carmona was charged with 15 counts of injury to a child.

Want to work from home? Here are the pros and cons Opportunities to work from home are increasing as employees look for creative ways to earn a living. Nationwide, work at home opportunities are expanding as more companies look to cut the costs.

Man's body found near Southeast Austin golf course A man's body was found Tuesday afternoon near the fourth hole of a golf course in Southeast Austin, Austin police said. Police say the body was found in a creek bed about 250 feet from the course.

Search for Forgione's replacement gets underway
Austin ISD trustees Tuesday announced that the search for a new superintendent has officially started. Current AISD Superintendent Pat Forgione earlier this year announced his intention to retire in June 2009, after 10 years with AISD.

Boil water advisory remains for some in South Austin
Water service was restored but the boil water advisory remained in effect Tuesday for some residents in South Austin, after a water pipeline broke.

UT student charged with making terroristic threat
A University of Texas student has been arrested after fellow students say he made threats to shoot people and blow up the campus. Justin McCelvey, 20, is charged with making a terroristic threat.

Helicopter pilot, passenger recovering after Bartlett crash
Pilot Raymond Mitchell told authorities he was trying to take off when the tail of the helicopter struck the ground and caused the chopper to burst into flames.

Southeast Austin standoff ends peacefully
Police say they were called about a domestic dispute at the Paisano Mobile Home Park east of Interstate 35 near Stassney Lane. A woman and her baby left the mobile home before a man locked himself inside.

04/28/2008

City Council race goes negative
Early voting began Monday and the race for one city council seat is going negative.  Incumbent Jennifer Kim is targeting her opponent Randi Shade’s commitment to the environment.

Austin police investigate weekend hit and run
A 20-year old Austin woman who was struck in a crosswalk at 5th & Trinity early Sunday is out of the hospital.  The driver who Austin police say struck her and kept going was arrested for failing to stop and render aid and driving under the influence.

Perry asks for cut in ethanol mandate As the global food crisis continues, Texas Governor Rick Perry is asking the federal government to reduce the mandate for producing ethanol, which is made from corn.

Round Rock resident turns to lightning rods for protection
A company installed a series of conductor cables around the house. Copper rods are also buried underground to re-direct a lightning strike around the house.

Pflugerville police search stolen SUV for clues
It was not the start of the work week anyone in the Falcon Pointe subdivision was expecting. Monday morning, police had the neighborhood surrounded.

Pipeline break cuts off water to some South Austin residents
About 100 people in South Austin were asked to boil their water Monday afternoon after a 24-inch pipeline broke. Austin Water Utility officials say the pipeline broke Monday morning and was turned off for repairs.

Austin leaders show support for AISD bond proposal
The first day of early voting is usually the quietest, but the $344 million AISD school bond is driving voters to the polls. And it's getting a lot of support from the community.

Austin police investigate 12th bank robbery of the year Austin police are trying to track down a man who held up a Bank of America Monday morning in the 12th heist of the year. It happened around 9:30 a.m. at the branch on Airport Boulevard in North Austin.

2 former frat members to serve jail time for hazing Four former members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity charged with hazing reached a plea bargain in court Monday morning. Part of that deal will send two of the members to jail.

Helicopter crash injures 2 in Bartlett
Two people were injured when a civilian helicopter crashed near the Williamson-Bell county line Monday, Williamson County EMS officials said.

Pflugerville police search for shooter
Police say they were trying to find a stolen SUV in the Falcon Pointe subdivision, when they spotted three Hispanic men leaving the vehicle.

San Marcos P.D.: Man's death likely natural
Police initially said the death of James Roderick Dorman, 48, was suspicious, after he was found in a field in the 1500 block of River Road.

Early voting in municipal elections begins today Early voting began Monday morning ahead of the May 10 municipal elections. Several key races are on the ballot, including three seats on the Austin City Council. • Voting information

AISD puts bond package before voters
Early voting for the May 10th elections began Monday. Austin voters must decide whether to pass $344 million worth of school bonds. The election also includes three seats up for grabs on the Austin City Council.

04/27/2008

Drivers look for alternative fuel solutions
Filling up a vehicle costs more than ever. Austin saw an average jump of $0.13 cents this week on gas, and drivers are looking for any break they can get.

Body discovered in San Marcos field
San Marcos Police are investigating a suspicious death off of River Road. A passerby called police regarding a car with its lights on in the middle of a field at about 7:45 Saturday night.

Two alarm fire razes abandoned apartments